Peas In Different Pods

My 5th grade best friend Emma got married this weekend. That is her, second from the left (I am in the middle) at my birthday sleepover (the first and last as I recall)

I have a terrible memory, it is sad actually, I can't remember the details of things that happened yesterday or even last year.  But, there are memories that stick out in my mind so brightly I could relive them.

Emma is one of those memories.

She and I were the best of buddies all of 5th grade at Perrymont Elementary school.  We did practically everything together that year. And only that year.  I cried my heart out when I learned she would go to a different middle school than I would.  We saw each other a few times after that, but not much.

Emma and I are as different now as we were then.

She was pretty, I was plain.

She was outgoing, I was shy.

She could talk and talk for hours, I would rather listen.

She had trendy clothes, I could care less.

She wasn't the best student, I got all A's.

...but we were the best of friends.  If she wasn't at my house, I was at hers.  We passed notes, and chatted all recess long.  We went to the roller skating rink as many Saturdays as we could talk our parents into.  When they called for cheer leading sign ups, we both signed up.

The years went on with out Emma, and I was lost for most of 6th grade, and then after.  But, as you know time has a way of moving forward whether you want it to or not.  I know in high school she was popular and a cheerleader while I was more in the background and in band.  She did drama, I wrote for the paper.  She went on to college for theater, and I wanted to be a writer.

I think it is kind of funny that we both went in to the "TV Business," but just like we were at age 10, we couldn't be more opposite.

While I was getting married and starting my career she was making a name for herself in LA.  While I chase kids around, she is heading to the set for one TV show or another.  When I click through to see reruns of my favorite show I see her make a guest appearance.

Our lives couldn't be more polar.  She had this gorgeous ceremony in Mexico, I had a DIY wedding that everyone ditched as soon as they could.  She is honeymooning somewhere exotic today I am sure, while I returned to work the Monday after my wedding.  She is going to be in yet another movie that will come out soon, and I will make my star appearance at the local park sometime this week.

In years past the observation of our different paths would have made me feel as jealous of her now as I secretly was back in 5th grade. But, I am not. I can't help the huge grin on my face each time one of her current friend shares a beautiful image of her gorgeous ceremony, or her kissing her handsome groom. I am so amazingly happy for a friend that I haven't seen in 20 years.  She is happy and so am I. We reside in vastly different worlds, but happiness isn't only allowed for the exciting and beautiful.  It finds a way into the lives of all of us if we truly seek it.

Congratulations to Emma Bates and Joshua Zar on their blessed day.

Okay, so a little jealousy had to creep in...they got married by Neil Patrick Harris!  Of whom I was so embarrassingly in love with back when she and I were inseparable!

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